Following the correct aftercare and keeping your tattoo clean can help prevent infections

What causes an infection?

A number of things can cause a tattoo to become infected.

When you get one you have essentially broken the skin thousands of times in one area, which means it’s very easy for nasty germs and bugs to get in.

One of the infections you might end up with is a staph infection.

Staph bacteria can cause minor skin irritation like boils and blisters, but it can also cause more serious infections in the blood, lungs and hearts if it manages to enter the bloodstream.

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a common superbug known to be resistant to antibiotics, can cause blood poisoning and even toxic shock syndrome if it gets into your bloodstream.

If this isn’t treated quickly it can lead to organ failure and even death.

Another type of infection you might get is from contaminated ink – it pays to remember that you are not the only one in that tattoo shop to have ever been inked so chose a parlour that meets health and safety standards.